Obituary of Ruth Hilma Van Guilder

Van Guilder, Ruth H. (Johnson)

Bay City, Michigan

Mrs. Van Guilder, age 98, passed away on Monday October 9, 2023 in Bay City.  Ruth Hilma one of five children was born on July 16, 1925 in Bay City to the late Serenus and Hilma (Anderson) Johnson. In her youth Ruth was an accomplished tennis player and speed skater.  She also swam and performed with the Bay City Aquamarines in synchronized swimming.   On October 26, 1946 Ruth was united in marriage to Franklin D. Van Guilder.  He preceded her in death on December 6, 1992 after 46 years together.  She was formerly employed at the Jennison Hardware Co.  and for 20 years at Floral Gardens Cemetery.  She was a lifelong member of the Evangelical Free Church of Bay City, Michigan, where her maternal grandmother Albertina Charlotte Anderson was a charter member of the church when it was the Swedish Evangelical Church of Bay City.  She was a Sunday school teacher at the Evangelical Free Church for many years while raising her family.   Mrs. Van Guilder is survived by her 2 sons and daughter, Daniel (Lynne) Van Guilder, Dennis (Dianne) Van Guilder, and Bethany (Larry) Wegener.  Also surviving are 13 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her eldest son Barry J. Van Guilder, 2 brothers and sister in laws and 2 sisters and brother in laws, Lennart (Bonnie) Johnson, Alda (Glenn) Hill, Donna (Clyde Kasper and Raymond (Betty) Johnson.    A funeral service will be held at 12:00 Noon on Saturday October 14, 2023 at the Hyatt-Ewald Funeral Home, 700 N. Monroe Street, Bay City.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday from 10:30 A.M. until the time of service.  Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to the Evangelical Free Church, Bay City.  To sign online guestbook visit www.hyattewald.com .  Arrangements are with the Hyatt-Ewald Funeral Home, Bay City.